'Quite large enough, sir. But—but I had not thought of it. It shall be as you and Florence wish.'
They both looked at her; she was standing underneath the light of the chandelier, the rich damask colour mantling in her cheeks.
'I could not give you to him, Florence, if it involved your leaving me.'
The tears glistened on her eyelashes. In the impulse of the moment she stretched out a hand to each. 'There is room here for us all, papa,' she softly whispered.
Mr. Hunter took both their hands in one of his; he raised the other in the act of benediction; the tears, which only glistened in the eyes of Florence, were falling fast from his own.
'Yes, it shall be the home of all; and—Florence!—the sooner he comes to it the better. Bless, oh, bless my children!' he murmured. 'And grant that this may prove a happier, a more peaceful home for them, than it has for me!'
'Amen!' answered Austin, in his inmost heart.
THE END.
J. OGDEN AND CO., PRINTERS, 172, ST. JOHN STREET, E.C.